Small Village Big Hearts returns to make holidays brighter for Lisbon

LISBON -- Last year, Lisbon put the theory of "it takes a village" into practice during the holiday season with its Small Village, Big Hearts -- an initiative that streamlined holiday assistance to families in the Lisbon school district.

Lisbon resident and event coordinator Marti Grimm reported over 100 households participated in the event in 2024 and the partnering groups were able to fulfill all of the requests made by these households.

This year, that initiative returns fueled by the drive to make a difference and made possible by the generosity of the community and agencies in the village who are pulling their resources together.

"Organizations, groups, churches, and businesses are coming together once again to provide those in need that reside in the 44432 zip code with assistance to make their holiday brighter," event organizers said via a press release in announcing the kickoff to the giving event.

The partners for this year include the Almost Perfect Foundation, CAA of Columbiana County, Clip Joint Hair Studio, Elkrun Township Tourism Bureau, Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce, Lisbon Assembly of God, Lisbon Fireworks, Lisbon First United Methodist Church, Lisbon Lions Club, Lisbon Salvation Army, Lisbon Schools, New Lisbon Presbyterian Church, Serenity's Way Under Wraps, St. George's Church, VFW Post 411, the VFW Auxiliary, and the West Point Lions.

The idea was and continues to be to put all the resources those organizations have at their disposal together to benefit families in the village who need help during the Christmas season.

Households may request assistance for a variety of items to include food voucher, toys/teen gifts, blankets, filled stockings, clothing, backpacks, Christmas eve gifts, energy conservation items, pet supplies, hats/gloves, and wrapping supplies. Due to limited funding, every household may not receive all of the listed items.

Registration for assistance will be held Nov. 5 through Nov. 14 from 9 a.m to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday only. To register, call 330-424-4013. No early or late registrations will be accepted. Calls will be returned in the order received. Eligible households will receive an appointment time to pick up their holiday items during the distribution event in December.

Anyone interested in donating to one of the partners to assist with giving efforts may contact them directly. For additional contact information, call 330-424-4013.

selverd@mojonews.com